Iridescent Bohemian Art Glass Inkwell

We love the subtle beauty of this little Bohemian glass inkwell. It was made around the turn of the last century in the European area that is now the Czech Republic. The inkwell is designed with a draped pattern, very likely made by the Kralik glass house. The color is hard to define. The basic color seems to be a soft amber, but the iridescence creates a wonderful play of purples and pinks as the inkwell is moved. The nicely shaped base and lid are made of brass, which we have chosen to polish in order to bring this little beauty back to the way its maker intended. There are ink stains around the top of the rim and under the lid, which we have left to show that this inkwell was, indeed, used. The following is stamped inside the lid: DGM. A. K.K. OEST. PAT.A. This is a patent mark rather than a maker’s signature, indicating registration in Germany (Deutches Gebrauchsmuster Patent – German Utility design Patent) and Austria (Kaiserlich Königlich Österreich Patent– Royal Austrian Patent).

SIZE: The base measures about 4 5/8” square. The inkwell itself has a diameter of about 2 1/2” at its widest, and is just under 3” high.

CONDITION: The glass is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks or scratches. The metal is in very good condition with no cracks or dents. There is surface scratch on the top of the lid where something rough must have been dragged across it. There are a few areas on the top of the base where ink probably spilled and caused some surface wear. This is not obvious but can be seen in certain lights. As stated above, there is some ink on the top of the rim, and some oxidation under the lid due to ink.

This is a beautiful example of Bohemian glass that will compliment any inkwell collection. It would also stand alone as a beautiful statement on a desk.